Some of the 37 female finalists who were selected to contest the 'CVM Face of the Summer' competition. The elminations, which took place on Saturday at the Stella Maris Church, on Shortwood Road, St. Andrew, was the culmination of several weeks of model searching by Saint International. - Carlington Wilmot /Freelance Photographer SAINT INTERNATIONAL on Saturday ended up choosing 60 finalists for 'CVM Faces of Summer' competition at the Stella Maris Church Hall on Shortwood Road, St. Andrew.
Interestingly, before they began, the organisers had said that they were looking for only 40 finalists. "We won't be selecting more than 40, maximum 50," said Dewight Peters, Saint's International's CEO. "Ideally, we want 25 females and 15 males."
However, from the outset, Peters admitted that sticking to that goal would have been difficult. "I see some phenomenal talent here, and I can say without fear of any opposition that this is among the most talented group we have ever seen," he said.
However, talent notwithstanding, Peters was searching for a specific look and quality. Those who did not have it were given marching orders. All the entrants seemed willing to undergo the intense scrutiny, since getting through could mean the start of a new career in the fashion world.
The 40 male entrants were the first to be examined and selected by Peters. He began by looking at them in groups of five. The young men, clad in nothing but swim trunks, or in some instances underwear, were asked a few questions by Peters.
However, that process soon seemed too tedious and he began looking at them and eliminating them off the bat. Those who were not going to make it were simply told by Peters; "I am sorry but because of the way the competition is shaping up, you will not be moving on to the next round."
At the end of it all, he chose 23 male finalists.
SCRUTINISED
Then it was time for the women to be scrutinised by the model boss. They were dressed in swimwear and heels and were asked to remove all of their make-up. However, unlike their male counterparts, Peters did not bother with the introductions. He just looked at them and chose those whom he wanted. The end result was a group of 37 female finalists.
Speaking with The Gleaner afterwards, Peters said that he saw several potential overseas stars among the finalists. "I see a lot of European models. There are also some New York prospects as well as some prospects for South Africa."
The eliminations were the culmination of several weeks of tours and stops at 11 locations across the island searching for the next big thing in the fashion world. The finals will be held on August 17 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
Last year's female and male categories in the competition were won by Nickeisha Robinson and Maurice Lawrence, respectively.
